ABSTRACT
The Colombian Plan for Food and Nutrition Food and Nutrition program plus the Integrated Rural Development program call for increased food production, better nutrition, improved sanitation, and improved rural infrastructure. Traditionally, in Colombia a small farmer is defined by the government as one who possesses less than ten hectares of land, who consumes most of what he produces, and who utilizes primarily his own manual labor. However, the majority of the small farmers have plots much smaller than ten hectares, consume little of what they produce, and are dedicating an increasing portion of their time to working in larger enterprises. The majority of development agencies have investigated and promoted solutions that have been successful for the larger agricultural industries. Favorable economic impact, increased agricultural production and utilization, higher income levels, strengthened family relationships, and local and regional development with reduced urban migration all appear to be quite possible.
